e. Lockhart & We Fell Apart Interview

We Fell Apart by e. lockhart Interview with e. lockhart about We Fell Apart “It was a bad place to fall in love. On the property called Hidden Beach, a wooden castle stood on a monstrous cliff. It was a place of barbecues, sunblock, acoustic guitars, and midnight swims. Oil paint, intrusive briars. Hungry dogs. […]

Beth is Dead by Katie Bernet

Beth is Dead by Katie Bernet Published by Penguin Random House Beth is Dead is Little Women on steroids. Based on Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel, Katie Bernet’s debut YA/adult novel reads like the best fanfiction. Told from the viewpoint of each of the four March sisters in the past and present, it is addictive. […]

The Pull of the Moon by Pip Smith

The Pull of the Moon by Pip Smith UWA Publishing Pip Smith writes about The Pull of the Moon, her YA novel about detention on Christmas Island, for PaperbarkWords blog. I didn’t realise this at the time, but work on my young adult novel The Pull of the Moon began in January 2010, when I […]

This Season’s Draft by Jason Gent

This Season’s Draft by Jason Gent (Allen & Unwin) I read Jason Gent’s This Season’s Draft about a group of older teens preparing for the AFL draft in one sitting. I was transfixed. This novel takes the perspective of each protagonist, is easy to read while packing an emotional punch and is ideal for schools […]

The Year We Escaped by Suzanne Leal, ARA Historical Prize Winner

The Year We Escaped by Suzanne Leal, ARA Historical Prize Winner The Year We Escaped by Suzanne Leal (HarperCollins Australia) has just won the 2025 ARA Historical Prize – children’s/young adult book. This comparatively new award showcases historical novels where “most of the narrative takes place at least 50 years ago.” Mark Macleod, Chair of […]

The Locked Room by Adam Cece

The Locked Room by Adam Cece Published by Penguin Books Australia Adam, congratulations on your riveting new YA novel, The Locked Room, which is set in an escape room. It is a highly appealing concept and will hook in many readers, including those who may not read many books. Thank you for writing this interesting […]

I’m Not Really Here by Gary Lonesborough

I’m Not Really Here by Gary Lonesborough (A&U Books for Children and Young Adults) I’m Not Really Here by Gary Lonesborough is the WINNER of the CBCA 2025 Book of the Year: Older Readers category. “Back in my room, I stare at myself in the mirror of my wardrobe. As I sip my glass of water, […]

The Disappearing Circus by Kate Gordon and Helen Edwards

The Disappearing Circus by Kate Gordon and Helen Edwards Published by Riveted Press Congratulation on your new book and thank you for speaking to Joy in Books at PaperbarkWords blog, Helen. Author Interview: Helen Edwards Being the Hero of Your Own Story by Helen Edwards When Kate Gordon and I became friends online some years […]

Golden by Jade Timms

Golden by Jade Timms Text Publishing Golden, Jade Timms’ debut YA novel, was shortlisted for the Text Prize. Her writing reminds me of the contemporary fiction of Melissa Keil, Cath Crowley and Claire Zorn. Protagonist Eddie’s voice grabs the reader. Jade’s piece for PaperbarkWords below is honest and appealing. It will whet your appetite to […]

Into the Mouth of the Wolf by Erin Gough

Into the Mouth of the Wolf by Erin Gough (Hardie Grant Children’s Publishing) Into the Mouth of the Wolf written by Erin Gough is shortlisted for the 2025 CBCA Book of the Year: Older Readers. Congratulations on Into the Mouth of the Wolf being shortlisted by the CBCA, Erin, and thank you for speaking to Joy in Books at Paperbark Words blog. Author […]